Changes in trait divergence and convergence along a productivity gradient in wet meadows

0432341 - BÚ 2015 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Carboni, M. - de Bello, Francesco - Janeček, Štěpán - Doležal, Jiří - Horník, J. - Lepš, J. - Reitalu, T. - Klimešová, Jitka
Changes in trait divergence and convergence along a productivity gradient in wet meadows.
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. Roč. 182, Spec. Iss. (2014), s. 96-105. ISSN 0167-8809. E-ISSN 1873-2305
R&D Projects: GA ČR GAP505/12/1296
Institutional support: RVO:67985939
Keywords : competition * niche differentiation * species coexistence
Subject RIV: EH - Ecology, Behaviour
Impact factor: 3.402, year: 2014

Overall from these results at fine scale we cannot rule out neutrality, but, where significant, patterns suggest stronger effects of niche differentiation between coexisting species (trait divergence) rather than convergence of functionally similar species. Nevertheless our results also support the view that increased productivity, coupled with intense competition for resources (mainly for light), can lead to the coexistence of more functionally similar species. This is relevant because biodiversity enhancement is generally achieved by maintaining low productivity in these meadows. In general our study gives insights on how species coexistence is related to life history traits and environmental variation, which is also relevant for the conservation and management of species-rich meadows.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0236753